Bea is nervous about meeting with Allie this morning. She wasn't entirely sure why. The topic of discussion is benign. She has been nervous around her a lot lately. Bea arrives at Starbucks right on time. She sits at a table that is visible from the store entrance. A couple of minutes later Allie walks in and Bea's heart races. "Good morning," says Allie in her always cheerful manner. "Good morning," says Bea. Nikki sees Allie and comes around the counter to their table. "Good morning beautiful," she says to Allie with a flirtatious smile. "Do you want the usual?" Nikki asks while making eye contact with Bea. Allie is uncomfortable with the term of endearment. "Uh, yeah and whatever she wants," Allie says with a look like "this is weird." to Bea. "I'll have a cappuccino extra foam and a chocolate croissant," says Bea. "Ooh, I want one too," says Allie like a kid getting something special. Nikki looks at Allie and says, "must have run an extra mile this morning, not that you need to worry...you look great." Allie blushes when she looks at Bea. Bea laughs but she actually felt a little pang of jealousy that Nikki was hitting on Allie. "That was really uncomfortable. She hits on me every morning and you would think she would get the hint by now that I am not interested," says Allie. "Somehow I think that was for me," says Bea. "Why do you think that," says Allie knowing full well why. "She thinks I am competition and is trying to claim you," says Bea nervously. "Why would she think that?" Allie says wanting to see Bea's reaction. "I think anyone sitting with you would get her to react like that." Bea says innocently. Allie finds herself disappointed. She wanted some hint that Bea was jealous. Allie knew she needed to change the subject. "So, what did you want to talk about?""I met a woman the other day who owns the salon on the main strip downtown. She liked the color of my hair and asked if I had it professionally done and I told her that I did my own hair, that I was a licensed cosmetologist. She said she was looking for a colorist to work part-time in her salon and suggested I come work for her. I told her I would think about it," says Bea. Nikki walks over with the coffees. The cups have the names of the drinks on them but Allie sees a phone number written on hers. God, Nikki is relentless. Allie ignores it. "That's great, are you interested?" Allie asked smiling while putting a piece of the croissant in her mouth. "I think I am but I wanted to run it by you first. Is it okay if I work? Will it screw anything up? Am I putting Debbie or myself in any danger? What if Harry can find me through a job" Bea rambles. Allie laughs. "Slow down...yes, it is ok for you to work. In fact, you having an income will help with the request for custody. Not that you need any more proof than the pictures. I think that you working will help pass time until we get a. Plus, you need to have interaction outside of me and Debbie. It will do you good to build up confidence in yourself," Allie smiles taking another bite. "You really think so?" Bea asks, doubting herself. "Absolutely. It will also show Debbie how much effort you are making to stand on your own to feet. She will be so proud of you," says Allie. Bea smiles. She likes the idea that she is showing Debbie that she is taking control of her life. "The money is really good and I miss cutting and coloring hair... Ok, I will call Liz and tell her yes," says Bea with excitement in her voice. "By the way, I will have the papers filed this afternoon. The next thing to do is get a process server to hand deliver the papers to Harry," says Allie. "That's great Allie." Bea's mood changes. Allie sees the fear return to her eyes. "It's going to be okay Bea. I know you're scared but remember...this is a good thing." Allie smiles softly. Bea tries to return the smile but whatever confidence that she has is beginning to wane. Allie tries to get Bea to smile and eventually Bea can't resist. Allie shoves the rest of the croissant in her mouth leaving some chocolate on the bottom of her lip. Bea laughs and wipes it away with her finger. Allie stares at Bea, her heart pounding. Bea doesn't look away and a wonderful flush invades her neck and face. Allie didn't want to leave Bea but she had to meet someone at her office in 30minutes. "Well, as much as I would like to stay and talk with you, I have at appointment soon," Allie says while trying to stand up. Her legs are unsteady and she feels light headed. Bea stands up and feels clumsy when she tries to push her chair back under the table. "Thank you for your help Allie." Bea smiles shyly. "Anytime Bea." Allie winks and walks Bea out the store leaving a flustered Bea.
Bea heads home to feed her daughter or she won't hear the end of it. Debbie is awake and starting breakfast. "I see you found the eggs alright," says Bea teases. "Well, if I waited for you, I would starve to death," Debbie says pitifully. Bea shakes her head and laughs. "Did Allie help you make your decision about the salon?" Debbie asks. "Yes actually, she did. I am going to do it," says Bea with enthusiasm. "I'm going to call Liz after breakfast and tell her I accept her offer. Hopefully, I can head over to the salon today and fill out whatever paperwork she will need. If so, do you want me to drop you off at the beach? Or you could come with me and go see a movie or go to the bookstore," Bea offers. "You can drop me off at the beach. I have a new book I can read," Debbie says. "I can meet you after and sketch while you read," Bea says casually. "Sketch?" Debbie asks. "Yeah, I used to love drawing when I was younger and Allie got me a pad with charcoal pencils yesterday." Bea smiles thinking of how sweet it was of Allie. "That's so nice of her," says Debbie smiling. "Why did you stop drawing in the first place?" Debbie asked already guessing the answer. "Your father said my drawings were terrible, that I shouldn't waste my time and after a while, I started to believe him and stopped." Bea says with a frown. "I'm sorry mama. I hope that you can get back into it," Debbie says. "Oh on a good note, Allie is filing the papers today and will get a process server to serve your father the paperwork," says Bea. "That's great mama." Debbie smiles. Debbie is also dreading when her father gets the divorce papers. Bea sees it in Debbie's demeanor and hugs her, trying to convey that it will be alright.
Bea calls Liz after breakfast. Liz was happy to hear from her. "Bea, it's so good to hear from you love," says Liz. "I would like to take you up on your offer to work part-time for you." Bea says excited. "I'm so glad to hear that. Boomer will be too. When can you start?" Liz asks. "I can start tomorrow if that isn't too early." Bea asks hoping she isn't being pushy. "That would be perfect. Can you come in and fill out some paperwork this afternoon? I will need picture ID, your social security card and a copy of your cosmetology license" Liz asks. "I can be there at 2, if that's okay." Bea suggests. "Perfect love. I will see you then," says Liz. Bea can practically hear Liz beaming over the phone.
Allie finished the Summons, Complaint, Petition for Custody, Petition for Alimony and the Order for Protection then files them electronically. Once Allie receives the file stamped copies she will contact a process server and set up a date for Harry to be served. She calls Bea with the good news. "Hello?" Bea rasps. "Hi. It's Allie. I just wanted to tell you the papers have been filed." Allie says excitedly. "That's great, Allie. Thank you for getting it done so fast. I really appreciate it," says Bea with less enthusiasm than Allie. "Are you ok?" Allie asks softly. "I am, I know I should be ecstatic and I am happy but I have learned that hope is a thing easily dashed and...I am actually scared of what the future may bring. Do you know what I mean?" Bea says quietly. "It is understandable Bea. You are going through so many changes right now. I'm sure you feel overwhelmed." Allie can hear Bea sniffling and she knew she was crying. "I know everyone keeps saying that you will get through it and I think you don't really believe that. That's ok, just keep taking the steps to move forward and as good things come you will see that things do get better, brighter even," says Allie. She hated hearing Bea cry. "Hey, are you going to be okay? Allie asks with concern. Bea sniffles. "Yeah, I just feel very emotional right now." "I know. Is there anything I can do to help?" Allie asks. "Allie, you have done more than enough for me and Debbie. I feel like I can't thank you enough. I will be okay. Oh, I wanted to tell you, I am going to go fill out paperwork for Liz later this afternoon so I can start work tomorrow," says Bea. "I am so glad that you are taking the job. I think you will be happy with your decision. Listen, I need to go but if you need anything just call, okay?" Allie says sweetly. "I will….Allie?" Bea asks. "Yes?" says Allie. "Would you do this for any of your other clients?" Bea asks. "Do what?" Allie is suddenly warm. "Things like buying art supplies….." Bea says quietly. "I think you know the answer to that Bea," says Allie hoping that Bea will understand without her having to say it out loud. There is a long pause. "I'm sorry Bea, I need to go...okay?" Allie says sweetly. "Ok. Can I call you tomorrow and let you know how work went?" Bea asks worried that she crossed a line. "You can call me whenever you want." Allie whispers.